Gun shots were fired at an Oakdale police officer on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 29 which resulted in a multi-agency dragnet and the eventual arrest of two suspects. No officers were hurt or struck by the gunfire and by the end of the evening, both suspects were in jail.

A dropping occupancy rate in Oak Valley Hospital's surgical and medical ward to only two patients caused the closing of the unit earlier this month until the number of in-house care patients was able to rise at the 35-bed facility. The two remaining patients were transferred to the hospital's intensive care unit for their care.

Oakdale Police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder on Sunday, Jan. 27 after responding to the Quik Stop Market on East F Street regarding a call at 4:22 a.m. of a suspicious male dressed in camouflage clothing and carrying a knife.

Citing the financial well-being of the hospital district, Oak Valley Hospital CEO John McCormick announced that he will be looking into shutting down obstetrics treatment and child birthing at the Oakdale hospital. The move, if finalized, will force Oakdale and Riverbank residents to Modesto and Manteca hospitals for nearby child birthing care.

The Oakdale Animal Shelter has been contracted with the City of Riverbank for animal control services since 2008. The animal shelter is at 9800 Liberini Ave., Oakdale. The shelter is 800 square feet and was built in 1974. Sue Fitzpatrick, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Riverbank brought the Oakdale Animal Shelter issue up at a recent Riverbank council meeting and shared the following details. The building was designed to serve approximately 5,000 people and is now serving two cities with approximately 50,000 people.

Two men fired shots at an Oakdale police officer on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 29 which resulted in a multi-agency dragnet and the eventual arrest of one suspect. No officers were hurt or struck by the gunfire and one suspect remains at large.

Citing the financial well-being of the hospital district, Oak Valley Hospital CEO John McCormick announced that he will be looking into shutting down obstetrics treatment and child birthing at the Oakdale hospital.

Stanislaus County Sheriff's officials announced Thursday, Jan. 17 that Ryan Mazzariello, 26, the suspect in the double homicide at Oakdale Market last November, was found unresponsive in his Stanislaus County jail cell that morning and was later pronounced dead.

The operational function of the Oakdale Airport essentially remains unchanged as the city council has delayed one longtime lease proposal with one occupant and denied a large hangar lease to another that would have established repair and flight services. Add to that, a city staff reduction that has seen the departure of its part-time airport manager, no public works director in place, and a series of interim city managers has gutted any progress to the 67-year old facility.

Cases of Influenza A have been identified in Stanislaus County. Health officials remain concerned because of low vaccination during the fall. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. Check with your primary care provider or your local pharmacy for vaccine availability. You can also find a vaccine provider in your area by visiting www.flushot.healthmap.org.